Upper Pine Lake Dam
Upper Pine Lake Dam is an earth dam located in Hardin County, Iowa, built in 1934. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Upper Pine Lake Dam
The primary purpose of Upper Pine Lake Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Iowa Department Of Natural Resources (state). It impounds the Pine Creek near Eldora.
The dam stands 42 feet tall and stretches 490 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 110 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 2,710 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 14 square miles. Completed in 1934, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. The most recent inspection on record was 07/06/2021.
At 42 feet, this dam is taller than 89% of dams nationwide.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Iowa |
| County | Hardin |
| Nearest City | Eldora |
| River/Stream | Pine Creek |
| Coordinates | 42.37240, -93.06680 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 42 ft |
| Dam Height | 42 ft |
| Dam Length | 490 ft |
| Year Completed | 1934 (92 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 2,710 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 2,710 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 890 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 110 acres |
| Drainage Area | 14 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | Iowa Department of Natural Resources |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 07/06/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | IA00441 |
| Federal ID | IA00441 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |